Oceans Shores Country Club is now more equipped as an evacuation centre with a new backup power generator to be used during power outages and emergencies.

Nationals Parliamentary Secretary for Northern NSW Ben Franklin joined with members of the Club today to officially launch the new backup generator.

Mr Franklin said that with the generator now in place, the local community will have access to vital power during any outages and emergencies such as storms and floods when the club is used as an evacuation centre.

“March next year will mark two years since major flooding devastated our North Coast communities. The Ocean Shores Country Club was a vital evacuation centre during this tough time. However, a 14 hour power outage hindered the facilities and services at the centre,” said Mr Franklin.

“We want to ensure that this is not repeated. The back-up generator will allow the Club to operate as a fully powered evacuation centre with a functioning kitchen, hot water and other necessities in the event of an emergency.”

Mr Franklin said the Ocean Shores Country Club was able to purchase and install the generator with $65,210 in NSW Liberal & Nationals Government funding, under the Clubgrants category 3 infrastructure grants program.

“Preparation is a key factor contributing to how well a community handles a disaster. This backup generator will ensure our community is better prepared if and when disaster strikes.

“Flicking a switch and having power is something we often take for granted, but in an emergency it is a vital service and we don’t want those in need to waste valuable time searching for an alternative power source. The emergency generator will be an excellent addition to the Ocean Shores Country Club.”

“This will give local people confidence and peace of mind to know that they have access to a fully powered evacuation centre in an emergency.”